A fake taxi driver who picked up a drunk woman and raped her has been jailed.
Fareed Tariq, 43, picked up his victim as she waited for a taxi to arrive in Swindon town centre on Saturday, April 14 last year.
She had called a taxi company at around 3.15am, but the defendant posed as a taxi driver and she got into his vehicle.
He then drove her to a quiet area and assaulted her. Following the attack, he drove her to collect her son from her friend’s house.
Swindon Crown Court heard that Tariq was jailed for six years in 2012 – after raping a woman following a night out.
Tariq, of Barnum Court, Swindon, was found guilty at trial in February, and sentenced today (April 3).
He was handed an 18-year sentence, of which he will serve a minimum of nine years behind bars. He was given an additional five years on licence once released due to his dangerousness.
Tariq will also be put on the sex offenders register for life and was given a restraining order from the victim for life.
James Purcell, Major Crime Team Investigator said: “This was a horrendous incident, where Tariq pretended to be a taxi driver and picked up a vulnerable woman after a night out.
“He took her to a quiet area and raped her before picking up her son from her friend’s house.
“I’d like to thank the victim for her incredible bravery through reporting the incident and through what must have been a really difficult trial, reliving a traumatic experience. Without her continued assistance, the outcome would not have been possible.
“This is the second time that Tariq has been found guilty of raping a woman after a night out, after being jailed for six years in 2012.
“Today, a dangerous man has taken off the streets. He preyed on vulnerable women who just wanted to go home after a night out.
“I hope today’s sentence will go some way to helping his victim get justice.
“We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to please report it, do not suffer alone.
“We understand it can be difficult. You might not be completely sure what happened or how to talk about it.
“Our trained officers and partner organisations are here to listen and work together to support you in any way we can.
“Importantly, your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe.”
